A TEMPORARY CCTV camera is being installed in the Comberton Hill Underpass in Kidderminster in response to anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.
The camera, which will be in place for 12 weeks, was approved by the North Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership after an application was submitted by Kidderminster BID.
The camera will monitor activity entering and exiting the underpass, helping to identify those responsible for criminal damage and providing reassurance to people using the area.
Coun Ian Hardiman, Wyre Forest District Council’s representative on the Community Safety Partnership, said: “There have been significant efforts by community groups, local organisations and the district council to clean and maintain the area, but there are problems in the area.
“The camera may be able to help us understand what’s happening, identify those causing damage, and make people feel safer using the underpass.”
James Barker, Kidderminster Business Improvement District manager, said: “Our businesses have been clear about the need for a safer, more welcoming town centre for staff, customers, and the wider community.
“This deployment is a strong, visible step toward prevention and shows why it’s vital to keep taking action beyond Violence Against Women and Girls Action Week – not letting the conversation fade, but turning it into meaningful, preventative change so everyone can feel safe, confident, and supported in the town centre.”
The temporary camera has been approved through the North Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership’s mobile CCTV scheme, which allows organisations to apply for cameras in areas experiencing persistent problems.
Applications are assessed by the Community Safety Partnership and must meet specific criteria before being approved.
The camera will be monitored at Redditch Town Hall, which is where Wyre Forest District Council’s public space CCTV cameras are monitored 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.
Information gathered from the camera will be shared with West Mercia Police to support enforcement action and inform future community safety work in the area.
The camera will be clearly visible and signposted to show that overt surveillance is taking place.
Anyone who has any comments or concerns about the installation of the camera can email: [email protected] or write to: Community and Strategic Projects Manager, North Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership, c/o The Depot, Green Street, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY10 1HA by February 23.
